Method for producing pyrrole derivative, and intermediate thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a method for producing an atropisomer of a pyrrole derivative having excellent mineralocorticoid receptor antagonistic activity, and an intermediate thereof. A method for producing an atropisomer of a pyrrole derivative using a compound represented by (B) [wherein R 1  represents a C1-C4 alkyl group, and R 2  represents a 2-hydroxyethyl group or a carboxymethyl group] as a production intermediate.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/043,260,filed Feb. 12, 2016, which is a continuation of InternationalApplication No. PCT/JP2014/072332, filed Aug. 26, 2014, which claimspriority from Japanese Application No. 2013-175172, filed Aug. 27, 2013.Each application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method for producing an atropisomerof a pyrrole derivative having excellent mineralocorticoid receptorantagonistic activity, and a production intermediate thereof.

BACKGROUND ART

A mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) (aldosterone receptor) is known toplay an important role in regulating electrolyte balance and bloodpressure in the body, and MR antagonists having a steroidal structuresuch as spironolactone and eplerenone are known to be useful for thetreatment of hypertension and heart failure.

1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)-phenyl]-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxamide,which is a pyrrole derivative, is disclosed in PTL 1. Further, anatropisomer thereof is disclosed in PTL 2 and is known to be useful forthe treatment of hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, and the like.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

PTL 1: WO 2006/012642 (US Patent Application No. US 2008-0234270)

PTL 2: WO 2008/126831 (US Patent Application No. US 2010-0093826)

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Substances to be used for pharmaceutical products are required to haveparticularly strictly high purity so as not to cause unpredicted sideeffects (for example, toxicity, etc.) due to their impurities. Further,in their industrial production methods (mass production methods),impurities are required to be removed by simpler operations.

In addition, it is important that pharmaceutical drug substances orproduction intermediates can be stored for long periods of time whilemaintaining their quality. In the case where it is necessary to storesuch substances under low temperature conditions, a large-scalerefrigeration facility is needed for maintaining quality, and therefore,it is industrially meaningful to find stable crystals which can bestored at room temperature or higher.

Under such circumstances, the present inventors made intensive studiesfor developing a method for producing(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)-phenyl]-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxamide(hereinafter sometimes referred to as “Compound A)”), which is anatropisomer of a pyrrole derivative having excellent MR antagonisticactivity, with higher quality in higher yield by using a moreindustrially advantageous operation method with lower environmentalimpact. As a result, they found a method for efficiently resolving anatropisomer of a novel synthetic intermediate, and based on thisfinding, they established a method for producing an atropisomer of apyrrole derivative with high quality in high yield by using anindustrially advantageous operation, and thus completed the presentinvention.

Solution to Problem

The present inventors intensively studied a production intermediate ofan atropisomer of1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-5-[2-(trifluoro-methyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxamide,which is a pyrrole derivative having excellent mineralocorticoidreceptor antagonistic activity, and an efficient method for producingthe same so as to improve solubility, purity, stability, and the likefor enhancing the medical usefulness of the atropisomer of the pyrrolederivative.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

The present invention is directed to:

(1) a pyrrole compound represented by the following formula (B):

[wherein R¹ represents a C1-C4 alkyl group, and R² represents a2-hydroxyethyl group or a carboxymethyl group];

(1-2) the pyrrole compound according to the above (1), wherein R¹ is anethyl group;

(1-3) the pyrrole compound according to the above (1), wherein R² is a2-hydroxyethyl group;

(1-4) the pyrrole compound according to the above (1), wherein R² is acarboxymethyl group;

(1-5)(S)-2-[4-ethoxycarbonyl-3-methyl-2-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]aceticacid;

(2) ethyl(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylaterepresented by the following formula (Ia):

(3) a method for producing a compound represented by the followingformula (Ib):

[wherein R¹ represents a C1-C4 alkyl group], characterized by resolvingan atropisomer of the following formula (IB):

in a solvent in the presence of an acyl donor using one enzyme selectedfrom a lipase and a protease;

(4) a method for producing ethyl(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylaterepresented by the following formula (Ia):

characterized by resolving an atropisomer of ethyl(RS)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylatein a solvent in the presence of an acyl donor using one enzyme selectedfrom a lipase and a protease;

(5) the method according to the above (3) or (4), wherein the enzyme isa lipase;

(6) the method according to the above (3) or (4), wherein the enzyme isan immobilized lipase;

(6-1) the method according to the above (6), wherein the immobilizedlipase is one immobilized lipase selected from Chirazyme L-2, ChirazymeL-2 carrier-fixed C3, Chirazyme L-6 Pseudomonas sp., and Novozyme 435;

(6-2) the method according to any one selected from the above (4) to(6), wherein the acyl donor is vinyl propionate, vinyl acetate, vinylbutyrate, or vinyl laurate;

(7) the method according to the above (3) or (4), wherein the solvent isan organic solvent;

(8) a method for resolving an atropisomer of the following generalformula (C):

[wherein R¹ represents a C1-C4 alkyl group], characterized by using anoptically active amine;

(9) the method according to the above (8), wherein the optically activeamine is one compound selected from the group of the followingcompounds:

(10) the method according to the above (8), wherein the optically activeamine is (R)-(+)-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine;

(11) a method for producing the following intermediate compound (Ia):

including:

(i) a step of obtaining an optically active amine salt of a desiredatropisomer by resolving the following compound (C):

in a solvent using an optically active amine;

(ii) a step of removing the optically active amine from the opticallyactive amine salt of the atropisomer obtained in (i) under ahydrochloric acid condition; and

(iii) a step of reducing the atropisomer obtained in (ii) using areducing agent;

(12) a method for producing ethyl(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate,including the following steps of:

(i) obtaining an optically active amine salt of(S)-2-[4-ethoxycarbonyl-3-methyl-2-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]aceticacid by resolving(RS)-2-[4-ethoxycarbonyl-3-methyl-2-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]aceticacid in a solvent using an optically active amine;

(ii) removing the optically active amine under an acidic condition; andthereafter

(iii) performing reduction using a reducing agent;

(13) the method according to the above (11) or (12), wherein thereducing agent is sodium borohydride;

(14) the method according to any one selected from the above (11) to(13), wherein the optically active amine is quinine, cinchonine, orR-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine;

(15) the method according to any one selected from the above (11) to(13), wherein the optically active amine is cinchonine;

(16) the method according to any one selected from the above (11) to(15), wherein the solvent is an organic solvent;

(17) a method for producing the following compound (A):

characterized by reacting ethyl(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylaterepresented by the following formula (Ia):

with 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline in the presence of one reagent selectedfrom a metal alkoxide and a Grignard reagent;

(18) the production method according to the above (17), wherein thereagent is a Grignard reagent;

(18-1) the production method according to the above (17), wherein theGrignard reagent is ethylmagnesium bromide;

(19) ethyl(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylaterepresented by the following formula (Ia):

which is an intermediate for producing the following compound (A):

(20-0) a pyrrole compound represented by the following compound (C) oran atropisomer thereof:

[wherein R¹ represents the same meaning as described above], which is anintermediate for producing(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)-phenyl]-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxamide;

(20-1) an optically active amine salt of(S)-2-[4-ethoxycarbonyl-3-methyl-2-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]aceticacid, which is an intermediate for producing(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxamide;

(20-2) the salt according to the above (20-1), wherein the opticallyactive amine is one compound selected from cinchonine, quinine, and(R)-(+)-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine; and

(20-3) the salt according to the above (20-1), wherein the opticallyactive amine is (R)-(+)-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine.

(S)-1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-N-[4-(methyl-sulfonyl)phenyl]-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxamiderepresented by the following formula (A):

is sometimes referred to as Compound (A) in this description.

Examples of the “lipase” as used herein include Lipase AK “Amano” 20,Lipase A “Amano” 6, Lipase AS “Amano”, a lipase derived from CandidaAntarctica Type B, and a lipase derived from Pseudomonas sp. The lipaseis preferably a lipase derived from Pseudomonas sp.

The “immobilized lipase” as used herein is a lipase which is broughtinto a state where its catalytic activity is maintained by immobilizingthe lipase on a resin or confining the lipase in a small space so as toconvert it to a solid form, and examples thereof include Chirazyme L-2and Chirazyme L-2 carrier-fixed C3 (Roche) using a lipase derived fromCandida Antarctica Type B, and Chirazyme L-6 Pseudomonas sp. andNovozyme 435 using a lipase derived from Pseudomonas sp. The immobilizedlipase is preferably Novozyme 435.

Examples of the “protease” as used herein include Protease N “Amano” andProleather FG “Amano”, and further, the protease is preferably ProteaseN “Amano”.

The “optically active amine” as used herein is preferably an aminecompound having an asymmetric point such as quinine, cinchonine,(R)-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine, (R)-(+)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethylamine, or(R)-(+)-1-phenylethylamine, more preferably quinine, cinchonine, or(R)-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine, and particularly preferably cinchonine.

The “metal alkoxide” as used herein is preferably potassium t-butoxide,sodium t-butoxide, sodium methoxide or potassium ethoxide.

Examples of the “C1-C4 alkyl group” as used herein include methyl,ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, and t-butyl groups. TheC1-C4 alkyl group as R¹ is preferably a methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, ori-butyl group, more preferably an ethyl group.

R¹ is preferably a methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, or i-butyl group, morepreferably an ethyl group.

R² is preferably a 2-hydroxyethyl group.

The compound represented by the above general formula (B) is preferablyethyl(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylaterepresented by the above formula (Ia) or(S)-2-[4-ethoxycarbonyl-3-methyl-2-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]aceticacid, more preferably ethyl(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate.

A method for producing Compound (A) using the production intermediatecompound of the present invention will be described in detail below.

Compound (A) can be produced by using known compounds as startingmaterials and using the following production method of the presentinvention and intermediates.

Step A: Production of Intermediate Compound (IV)

Step B: Production of Intermediate Compound (Ia)

Step C: Production of Intermediate Compound (Ia) through IntermediateCompound (IIa)

Step D: Production of Compound (A)

Hereinafter, the respective steps will be described.

Step A-1

This step is a step of producing Compound (V) by reacting2-bromo-1-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]propan-1-one, which is a knownsubstance, with ethyl cyanoacetate in the presence of a base.

As a solvent, an organic solvent which does not inhibit the reaction anddissolves the starting material to some extent is used. The solvent ispreferably an amide such as methylacetamide.

Examples of the base include alkali metal carbonates such as potassiumcarbonate.

The reaction temperature is from 0° C. to 100° C., preferably from 40°C. to 60° C.

The reaction time is from 0.5 to 12 hours, preferably from 1 to 3 hours.

Step A-2

This step is a step of producing Compound (IV) by cyclizing Compound (V)to form a pyrrole ring.

As a solvent, an organic solvent which does not inhibit the reaction anddissolves the starting material to some extent is used. The solvent ispreferably an aromatic hydrocarbon such as toluene.

As a reagent, it is preferred to blow hydrogen chloride gas in thepresence of thionyl chloride, and further concentrated sulfuric acid maybe added.

The reaction temperature is from 0° C. to 40° C., preferably roomtemperature.

The reaction time is from 1 to 30 hours, preferably from 10 to 20 hours.

Step B-1

This step is a step of producing Compound (III) by removing the chlorinegroup of Compound (IV).

As a solvent, a mixed solvent of water and an organic solvent which doesnot inhibit the reaction and dissolves the starting material to someextent is used. The solvent is preferably a mixed solvent of ethanol,tetrahydrofuran, and water.

As a reagent, sodium formate and a 5% palladium-carbon catalyst arepreferred.

The reaction temperature is from 0° C. to 100° C., preferably from 40°C. to 60° C.

The reaction time is from 0.5 to 12 hours, preferably from 0.5 to 2hours.

Step B-2

This step is a step of producing Compound (I) by introducing ahydroxyethyl group on the nitrogen atom of the pyrrole group of Compound(III) in a solvent in the presence of a base.

As the solvent, an organic solvent which does not inhibit the reactionand dissolves the starting material to some extent is used. The solventis preferably an amide such as N,N-dimethylacetamide.

Examples of the base include metal alkoxides such as potassiumt-butoxide and organic bases such as 4-dimethylaminopyridine.

A reagent for introducing a hydroxyethyl group is preferablybromoethanol or ethylene carbonate.

As a combination of the base and the reagent for introducing ahydroxyethyl group, a combination of 4-dimethylaminopyridine andethylene carbonate is preferred.

The reaction temperature is from room temperature to 150° C., preferablyfrom 100° C. to 120° C.

The reaction time is from 1 to 20 hours, preferably from 5 to 15 hours.

Step B-3

This step is a step of obtaining Compound (Ia) by optical resolution ofan atropisomer through stirring of the above Compound (I) and a lipaseor a protease in the presence of an acyl donor.

This method is usually performed in a solvent. The solvent is preferablya ketone such as acetone or methyl isobutyl ketone, an acetate estersuch as isopropyl acetate, or a nitrile such as acetonitrile, morepreferably a nitrile such as acetonitrile.

Examples of the lipase in this method include enzymes such as Lipase AK“Amano” 20, Lipase A “Amano” 6, and Lipase AS “Amano”, and immobilizedlipases such as Chirazyme L-2, Chirazyme L-2 carrier-fixed C3, ChirazymeL-6 Pseudomonas sp., and Novozyme 435. The lipase is preferably Novozyme435.

The amount of the enzyme to be used in this method is preferably from0.005 g to 1 g of the enzyme with respect to 1 g of a substrate,preferably 1 g of the enzyme, and the amount of the immobilized lipaseto be used is preferably from 0.005 to 1 equivalent with respect toCompound (I).

The protease in this method is preferably Protease N “Amano”.

The acyl donor in this method is preferably vinyl propionate, vinylacetate, vinyl butyrate, vinyl laurate, or the like, and particularlypreferably vinyl propionate.

The reaction temperature is from 0° C. to 50° C., preferably roomtemperature.

The enantiomeric excess of the obtained atropisomer can be determinedaccording to conventional methods.

Step C-1

This step is a step of producing Compound (II) by introducing acarboxymethyl group on the nitrogen atom of the pyrrole group ofCompound (III) in a solvent in the presence of a base using ethylbromoacetate.

As the solvent, an organic solvent which does not inhibit the reactionand dissolves the starting material to some extent is used. The solventis preferably an amide such as N,N-dimethylacetamide.

Examples of the base include metal alkoxides such as potassiumt-butoxide.

The reaction temperature is from 0° C. to 100° C., preferably from 10°C. to room temperature.

The reaction time is from 0.5 to 12 hours, preferably from 1 to 3 hours.

Step C-2

This step is a step of producing Compound (IIa) by optical resolution ofthe atropisomer through stirring of Compound (II) and an opticallyactive amine in a solvent.

This method is usually performed in a solvent. The solvent is preferablyan acetate ester, a nitrile, a ketone, an ether, or a mixed solvent of asolvent selected therefrom and water, more preferably t-butyl methylether or diisopropyl ether.

In this method, the optically active amine is preferably one compoundselected from quinine, cinchonine, R-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine,R-(+)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-ethylamine, and R-(+)-1-phenylethylamine, morepreferably R-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine, quinine, or cinchonine.

The amount of the optically active amine to be used in this method ispreferably 0.5 equivalents with respect to Compound (II).

The reaction temperature is from room temperature to 50° C., preferably50° C.

The diastereomeric excess of the obtained atropisomer can be determinedaccording to conventional methods.

An amine salt of Compound (IIa) obtained in this step can also beconverted to the free form using an acid. The acid to be used at thistime is not particularly limited as long as it is an acid (an inorganicacid such as hydrochloric acid) usually used for removing an amine salt.

Step C-3

This step is a step of producing Compound (Ia) by reduction of thecarboxymethyl group of Compound (IIa) to a hydroxyethyl group in thepresence of boron trifluoride using a reducing agent.

As a solvent, a mixed solvent of water and an organic solvent which doesnot inhibit the reaction and dissolves the starting material to someextent is used. The solvent is preferably a mixed solvent of an estersuch as ethyl acetate and water.

The reducing agent is not particularly limited as long as it is areagent which reduces a carboxyl group to a hydroxymethyl group, but ispreferably an alkali metal borohydride such as sodium borohydride.

The reaction temperature is from 0° C. to 100° C., preferably roomtemperature.

The reaction time is from 0.5 to 12 hours, preferably from 0.5 to 2hours.

Step D-1

This step is a step of producing Compound (A) by reacting Compound (Ia)with 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline in the presence of a Grignard reagent.

As the solvent, an organic solvent which does not inhibit the reactionand dissolves the starting material to some extent is used. The solventis preferably an ether such as tetrahydrofuran.

The Grignard reagent is preferably a tetrahydrofuran solution ofethylmagnesium bromide, ethylmagnesium chloride, isopropylmagnesiumchloride, methylmagnesium bromide, or phenylmagnesium bromide, morepreferably a tetrahydrofuran solution of ethylmagnesium bromide.

The reaction temperature is from room temperature to 150° C., preferablyfrom 60° C. to 100° C.

The reaction time is from 0.5 to 5 hours, preferably from 0.5 to 2hours.

In this step, Compound (A) can also be produced by reacting Compound(Ia) with 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline in the presence of a metal alkoxidesuch as potassium t-butoxide, sodium t-butoxide, sodium methoxide, orpotassium ethoxide.

As a reaction solvent, an organic solvent which does not inhibit thereaction and dissolves the starting material to some extent is used. Thesolvent is preferably tetrahydrofuran, toluene, dimethyl sulfoxide, orN,N-dimethylacetamide.

The reaction temperature is from room temperature to 70° C., preferablyfrom 40° C. to 70° C.

The reaction time is from 0.5 to 5 hours, preferably from 1 to 2 hours.

A racemate of a pyrrole compound represented by the following formula(B):

[wherein R¹ represents a C1-C4 alkyl group, and R² represents a2-hydroxyethyl group or a carboxymethyl group] can be produced accordingto the above steps A and B.

A compound represented by the following formula (IB):

[wherein R¹ represents a C1-C4 alkyl group] can be produced byalkylation of(RS)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylateproduced in Example 6 under conventional conditions.

After completion of the reactions of the above-mentioned respectivesteps, the target compounds can be collected from the reaction mixtureaccording to conventional methods. For example, the reaction mixture isappropriately neutralized, or in the case where insoluble matter ispresent, after the insoluble matter is removed by filtration, an organicsolvent immiscible with water such as ethyl acetate is added thereto,followed by washing with water or the like. Thereafter, the organiclayer containing the target compound is separated and dried overanhydrous magnesium sulfate or the like, and then, the solvent isdistilled off, whereby the target compound can be obtained.

If necessary, the thus obtained target material can be separated andpurified by conventional methods, for example, by appropriatelycombining recrystallization, reprecipitation, or a method conventionallyused for separation and purification of an organic compound, forexample, a method using a synthetic adsorbent such as adsorption columnchromatography or partition column chromatography, a method using ionexchange chromatography, or normal-phase or reverse-phase columnchromatography using silica gel or alkylated silica gel, and performingelution with a suitable eluent.

Compound (A) obtained according to the present invention can be used ina pharmaceutical or a pharmaceutical composition containing Compound (A)as an active ingredient.

The pharmaceutical containing Compound (A) as an active ingredient ispreferably provided in the form of a pharmaceutical compositioncontaining Compound (A) and one or more pharmaceutically acceptablecarriers. The administration form of the pharmaceutical of the presentinvention is not particularly limited, and the pharmaceutical can beadministered orally or parenterally, but is preferably administeredorally.

The pharmaceutical composition containing Compound (A) as an activeingredient contains Compound (A) and a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier, and can be administered in the form of any of variousinjections through intravenous injection, intramuscular injection,subcutaneous injection, or the like, or through any of various methodssuch as oral administration or transdermal administration. Thepharmaceutically acceptable carrier refers to a pharmaceuticallyacceptable material (for example, an excipient, a diluent, an additive,a solvent, etc.) which is involved in transport of Compound (A) from agiven organ or viscus to another organ or viscus.

As a method for preparing a formulation, an appropriate formulation (forexample, an oral preparation or an injection) is selected according tothe administration method, and can be prepared by a conventionally usedpreparation method for various formulations. Examples of the oralpreparation can include a tablet, a powder, a granule, a capsule, apill, a troche, a solution, a syrup, an elixir, an emulsion, and an oilyor aqueous suspension. In the case of an injection, a stabilizer, apreservative, a solubilizing agent, or the like can also be used in theformulation. It is also possible to form a solid preparation as aformulation to be prepared before use by placing a solution which maycontain such a pharmaceutical aid or the like in a container, followedby lyophilization or the like. In addition, a single dosage may bepacked in one container, or multiple dosages may be packed in onecontainer.

Examples of a solid preparation include a tablet, a powder, a granule, acapsule, a pill, and a troche. These solid preparations may contain apharmaceutically acceptable additive along with Compound (A). Examplesof the additive include a filler, an expander, a binder, a disintegrant,a solubilization enhancer, a wetting agent, and a lubricant, and thesolid preparation can be prepared by selecting an additive therefromaccording to need and mixing.

Examples of a liquid preparation include a solution, a syrup, an elixir,an emulsion, and a suspension. These liquid preparations may contain apharmaceutically acceptable additive along with Compound (A). Examplesof the additive include a suspending agent and an emulsifying agent, andthe liquid preparation can be prepared by selecting an additivetherefrom according to need and mixing.

For example, in the case of a tablet, in the entire pharmaceuticalcomposition, the content of a binder is generally from 1 to 10 parts byweight (preferably from 2 to 5 parts by weight), the content of adisintegrant is generally from 1 to 40 parts by weight (preferably from5 to 30 parts by weight), the content of a lubricant is generally from0.1 to 10 parts by weight (preferably from 0.5 to 3 parts by weight),and the content of a fluidizing agent is generally from 0.1 to 10 partsby weight (preferably from 0.5 to 5 parts by weight).

The pharmaceutical composition containing Compound (A) as an activeingredient can be administered to a warm-blooded animal (particularly ahuman being). The dose of Compound (A) or a pharmacologically acceptablesalt thereof which is an active ingredient varies depending on thevarious conditions such as symptoms, age, and body weight of a patient,however, in the case of, for example, oral administration, it can beadministered to a human being at a single dose of 0.1 mg/body to 20mg/body (preferably 0.5 mg/body to 5 mg/body) one to six times per daydepending on the symptoms.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, a method for producing(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-N-[4-(methyl-sulfonyl)phenyl]-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxamide(Compound (A)) having mineralocorticoid receptor antagonistic activityand a production intermediate compound thereof are provided. Compound(A) obtained according to the present invention has excellent stabilityand is useful as a pharmaceutical such as an antihypertensive drug.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail byshowing Examples of the present invention and the like, however, thescope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

EXAMPLES Example 1 2-Bromo-1-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]propan-1-one

To 1-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]propan-1-one (75 g (370 mmol)), t-butylmethyl ether (750 mL) and bromine (1.18 g (7.4 mmol)) were added. Theresulting mixture was stirred at 15 to 30° C. for about 30 minutes, andafter it was confirmed that the color of bromine disappeared, themixture was cooled to 0 to 5° C. While maintaining the temperature at 0to 10° C., bromine (59.13 g (370 mmol)) was added thereto, and theresulting mixture was stirred. After the mixture was stirred for about2.5 hours, a 10 w/v % aqueous potassium carbonate solution (300 mL) wasadded thereto while maintaining the temperature at 0 to 25° C., andsodium sulfite (7.5 g) was further added thereto, followed by heating to20 to 30° C. This solution was subjected to liquid separation, and tothe obtained organic layer, water (225 mL) was added to wash the organiclayer. Thereafter, the organic layer was concentrated under reducedpressure, whereby a t-butyl methyl ether solution (225 mL) of the titlecompound was obtained.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 1.91 (3H, d, J=4.0 Hz), 4.97 (1H, q, J=6.7Hz), 7.60-7.74 (4H, m.

Example 2 Ethyl2-cyano-3-methyl-4-oxo-4-[2-(trifluoro-methyl)phenyl]butanoate

To the 2-bromo-1-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-propan-1-one/t-butyl methylether solution (220 mL) obtained in Example 1, dimethylacetamide (367mL), ethyl cyanoacetate (53.39 g (472 mmol)), and potassium carbonate(60.26 g (436 mmol)) were sequentially added, and the resulting mixturewas heated to 45 to 55° C. and stirred. After the mixture was stirredfor about 2 hours, the mixture was cooled to 20 to 30° C., and thenwater (734 mL) and toluene (367 mL) were added thereto to effectextraction. Then, water (513 mL) was added to the resulting organiclayer to wash the organic layer (washing was performed twice).Thereafter, the obtained organic layer was concentrated under reducedpressure, whereby a toluene solution (220 mL) of the title compound wasobtained.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 1.33-1.38 (6H, m), 3.80-3.93 (2H, m),4.28-4.33 (2H, m), 7.58-7.79 (4H, m).

Example 3 Ethyl2-chloro-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoro-methyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate

To the toluene solution (217 mL) of ethyl2-cyano-3-methyl-4-oxo-4-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-butanoate obtainedby the production method of Example 2, ethyl acetate (362 mL) andthionyl chloride (42.59 g (358 mmol)) were added at 20 to 30° C., andthe resulting mixture was cooled to −10 to 5° C. Then, hydrogen chloridegas (52.21 g (1432 mmol)) was blown into the mixture, and concentratedsulfuric acid (17.83 g (179 mmol)) was further added thereto, and theresulting mixture was heated and stirred at 15 to 30° C. After themixture was stirred for about 20 hours, ethyl acetate (1086 mL) wasadded thereto, followed by heating to 30 to 40° C., and water (362 mL)was added thereto, and then, the resulting mixture was subjected toliquid separation. To the organic layer obtained by liquid separation,water (362 mL) was added, followed by liquid separation, and then, a 5w/v % aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (362 mL) was addedthereto, followed by liquid separation.

Subsequently, the organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure,and toluene (579 mL) was further added thereto, followed byconcentration under reduced pressure, and then, toluene (72 mL) wasadded thereto, and the resulting mixture was cooled to 0 to 5° C. Afterthe mixture was stirred for about 2 hours, the deposited crystal wasfiltered and washed with toluene (217 mL) cooled to 0 to 5° C. Theobtained wet crystal product was dried under reduced pressure at 40° C.,whereby the title compound was obtained (97.55 g, yield: 82.1%).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 1.38 (3H, t, J=7.1 Hz), 2.11 (3H, s), 4.32(2H, q, J=7.1 Hz), 7.39 (1H, d, J=7.3 Hz), 7.50-7.62 (2H, m) , 7.77 (1H,d, J=8.0 Hz), 8.31 (1H, br).

Example 4 Ethyl4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate

To ethyl2-chloro-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate(97.32 g (293 mmol)) obtained by the production method of Example 3,ethanol (662 mL), tetrahydrofuran (117 mL), water (49 mL), sodiumformate (25.91 g (381 mmol)), and a 5% palladium-carbon catalyst (watercontent: 52.1%, 10.16 g) were added at room temperature, and theresulting mixture was heated to 55 to 65° C. and stirred. After themixture was stirred for about 1 hour, the mixture was cooled to 40° C.or lower, and tetrahydrofuran (97 mL) and a filter aid (KC Flock, NipponPaper Industries) (4.87 g) were added thereto. Then, the catalyst wasfiltered, and the residue was washed with ethanol (389 mL). The filtrateand the ethanol solution used for washing were combined, and thecombined solution was concentrated under reduced pressure. Thereafter,water (778 mL) was added thereto and the mixture was stirred at 20 to30° C. for 0.5 hours or more. The deposited crystal was filtered andwashed with a mixed solution of ethanol/water=7/8 (292 mL). The thusobtained wet crystal product was dried under reduced pressure at 40° C.,whereby the title compound was obtained (86.23 g, yield: 98.9%).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 1.35 (3H, t, J=7.1 Hz), 2.18 (3H, s), 4.29(2H, m), 7.40-7.61 (4H, m), 7.77 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz), 8.39 (1H, br).

Example 5 Ethyl(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate

(5-1) Production Method 1

(5-1-1) Ethyl(RS)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate

To ethyl 4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate(65.15 g (219 mmol)) obtained by the production method of Example 4,N,N-dimethylacetamide (261 mL), ethylene carbonate (28.95 g (328.7mmol)), and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (2.68 g (21.9 mmol)) weresequentially added at room temperature, and the resulting mixture washeated to 105 to 120° C. and stirred. After the mixture was stirred forabout 10 hours, the mixture was cooled to 20 to 30° C., and toluene(1303 mL) and water (326 mL) were added thereto, and the organic layerwas extracted. Then, water (326 mL) was added to the organic layer towash the organic layer (washing was performed three times). The obtainedorganic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure, and ethanol (652mL) was added thereto, and the resulting mixture was furtherconcentrated under reduced pressure. Thereafter, ethanol (130 mL) wasadded thereto, whereby an ethanol solution (326 mL) of the titlecompound was obtained.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 1.35 (3H, t, J=7.1 Hz), 1.84 (1H, broadsinglet), 2.00 (3H, s), 3.63-3.77 (4H, m), 4.27 (2H, m), 7.35-7.79 (5H,m).

(5-1-2) (S)-Ethyl1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate

After ethyl(RS)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate(5.00 g (14.6 mmol)) produced according to (5-1-1) was dissolved byadding acetonitrile (50 mL) thereto, vinyl propionate (4.8 mL (43.9mmol)) and an immobilized lipase, Novozyme 435 (Novozymes Japan Ltd.)(50 mg) were added thereto, and the resulting mixture was stirred at 20to 30° C. for about 7 hours. After stirring, the immobilized lipase wasfiltered off, and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure.Subsequently, the concentrated residue was dissolved by adding toluene(25 mL) thereto, and then, silica gel (for example, 60N, Kanto ChemicalCo., Inc., spherical and neutral, 40 to 50 μm mesh was used) (10.00 g)was added thereto, and the resulting mixture was stirred for about 1hour. After stirring, the silica gel was filtered with toluene (50 mL)(this filtrate was discarded), and subsequently, the silica gel waswashed with ethyl acetate (50 mL), and the obtained filtrate wasconcentrated under reduced pressure. Then, to the obtained concentratedresidue, toluene (10 mL) and ethylcyclohexane (10 mL) were addedthereto, and the resulting mixture was cooled to −17 to −15° C. andstirred for 0.5 hours or more. Thereafter, ethylcyclohexane (100 mL) wasslowly added thereto while keeping the temperature at −17 to −5° C., andthe resulting mixture was stirred for 1 hour or more. The resultingcrystal was filtered and washed with ethylcyclohexane (10 mL) cooled to−17 to −15° C., and the obtained wet crystal product was dried underreduced pressure, whereby the title compound (1.16 g) was obtained(yield: 23.2%). The enantiomeric excess of the obtained crystal wasabout 92.4% ee (calculated according to Example 5-1-3).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 1.35 (3H, t, J=7.1 Hz), 1.84 (1H, broadsinglet), 2.00 (3H, s) , 3.63-3.77 (4H, m), 4.27 (2H, m), 7.35-7.79 (5H,m).

(5-1-3) HPLC determination method for enantiomeric excess

About 10 mg of a sample was collected and diluted with a mobile phase to10 mL, whereby a sample solution was prepared.

Column: DAICEL CHIRALPAK AD-H (4.6 mm I.D.×250 mm)

Mobile Phase: n-hexane:ethanol=95:5

Detection: UV 254 nm

Flow rate: about 1.0 mL/min

Column Temperature: constant temperature of around 40° C.

Measurement Time: about 10 min

Injection Volume: 5 μL

The enantiomeric excess was calculated according to the followingformula using the peak area ratios of the S form (retention time: about11 min) and the R form (retention time: about 9 min).% ee={[(the peak area ratio of the title compound (S form))−(the peakarea ratio of the R form)]÷[(the peak area ratio of the title compound(S form))+(the peak area ratio of the R form)]}×100(5-2) Production Method 2(5-2-1)(RS)-2-[4-Ethoxycarbonyl-3-methyl-2-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]aceticacid

To ethyl 4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate(20.00 g (67.3 mmol)) produced according to Example 4,N,N-dimethylacetamide (190 mL) was added at room temperature, andsubsequently, potassium t-butoxide (9.06 g (80.8 mmol)) was addedthereto using N,N-dimethylacetamide (10 mL). After the resulting mixturewas cooled to about 15° C., ethyl bromoacetate (9.0 mL (80.8 mmol)) wasadded thereto. After the resulting mixture was stirred for about 1 hour,a 5 N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (27 mL) and water (40 mL) wereadded thereto, and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperaturefor about 1 hour. Thereafter, water (300 mL) and ethyl acetate (200 mL)were added thereto, and the resulting mixture was stirred, followed byliquid separation. To the aqueous layer, ethyl acetate (400 mL) and 5 Nhydrochloric acid (41 mL) were added to effect extraction, and theobtained organic layer was washed 5 times with water (100 mL) andfurther washed with a saturated sodium chloride solution (100 mL), andthen dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The insoluble matter wasfiltered off, and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure,and the resulting residue was purified by column chromatography (silicagel 200 g, methylene chloride/methanol=100/0 to 9/1), whereby(RS)-2-[4-ethoxycarbonyl-3-methyl-2-[2-(trifluoro-methyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]aceticacid (22.49 g, (63.3 mmol, yield: 94.1%)) was obtained.

On the other hand, in the case where purification is desired, it is alsopossible to isolate(RS)-2-[4-ethoxycarbonyl-3-methyl-2-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]aceticacid as an amine salt by using dicyclohexylamine. For example,(RS)-2-[4-ethoxycarbonyl-3-methyl-2-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]-aceticacid (20.00 g (56.3 mmol)) was dissolved in diisopropyl ether (600 mL),and dicyclohexylamine (10.21 g (56.3 mmol)) was added thereto. After theresulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for about 24 hours,the deposited crystal was filtered and washed with diisopropyl ether(100 mL). The wet crystal product was dried under reduced pressure,whereby(RS)-2-[4-ethoxycarbonyl-3-methyl-2-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]aceticacid dicyclohexylamine salt (28.23 g (yield: 93.5%)) was obtained.

(5-2-2)(S)-2-[4-Ethoxycarbonyl-3-methyl-2-[2-(trifluoro-methyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]aceticacid cinchonine salt (Entry 4 in Table 2)

(RS)-2-[4-Ethoxycarbonyl-3-methyl-2-[2-(trifluoro-methyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]aceticacid (500.8 mg (1.41 mmol)) was dissolved by adding t-butyl methyl ether(7.5 mL) thereto at room temperature, and further cinchonine (207.8 mg(0.706 mmol)) was added thereto at room temperature, and the resultingmixture was stirred for about 19 hours. The deposited crystal wasfiltered and washed with t-butyl methyl ether (1.5 mL). The wet crystalproduct was dried under reduced pressure, whereby(S)-2-[4-ethoxycarbonyl-3-methyl-2-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]aceticacid cinchonine salt (344.4 mg (yield: 37.6%)) was obtained. Thediastereomeric excess of the obtained crystal was about 94.8% de.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 0.80-0.94 (m, 1H), 1.26-1.40 (m, 3H),1.50-2.23 (m, 7H), 2.51-2.53 (m, 1H), 2.98-3.39 (m, 4H), 3.96-4.55 (m,5H), 5.05-5.26 (m, 2H), 5.91-6.00 (m, 1H), 6.12-6.15 (m, 1H), 6.57(broad singlet), 6.91-7.19 (m, 2H), 7.24-7.95 (m, 8H), 8.03-8.11 (m,1H), 9.00-9.11 (m, 1H).(5-2-3) HPLC Determination Method for Diastereomeric Excess

About 10 mg of a sample is collected and diluted with a mobile phase to10 mL, whereby a sample solution is prepared.

Column: DAICEL CHIRALCEL OD-RH (4.6 mm I.D.×150 mm)

Mobile Phase: Mobile phase A: a 0.1 v/v % acetic acid solution:acetonitrile=1:9

-   Mobile Phase B: water:acetonitrile=2:8-   Mobile Phase A: Mobile phase B=1:1    Detection: UV 254 nm    Flow Rate: about 1.0 mL/min    Column Temperature: constant temperature of around 40° C.    Measurement Time: about 10 min    Injection Volume: 5 μL

The diastereomeric excess was calculated according to the followingformula using the peak area ratios of the S form (retention time: about5 min) and the R form (retention time: about 4 min)% de={[(the peak area ratio of the title compound (S form))−(the peakarea ratio of the R form)]÷[(the peak area ratio of the title compound(S form))+(the peak area ratio of the R form)]}×100(5-2-4) Effect of Optically Active Amine

After(RS)-2-[4-ethoxycarbonyl-3-methyl-2-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]aceticacid (25 mg (0.07 mmol)) was dissolved in diisopropyl ether (0.5 mL),each of the various optically active amines (0.5 equivalents) was addedthereto, and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature forabout 19 hours. After stirring, the mixture was centrifuged, and thediastereomeric excess in the supernatant was determined by HPLC. Thediastereomeric excess and yield of the precipitate (crystal, the targetcompound was in the S form) were calculated from the measured values(solubility and diastereomeric excess) of the supernatant and shown inTable 1.

TABLE 1 Super- Precip- natant itate Yield Entry Optically active amine %de % de (%) 1 (R)-(+)-1-phenylethylamine 10 (R  7 (S 58.6 form) form) 2(R)-(+)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethylamine 19 (R 22 (S 46.7 form) form) 3(R)-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine 84 (R 85 (S 49.5 form) form) 4 quinine 67(R 71 (S 48.7 form) form) 5 cinchonine 76 (R 84 (S 47.3 form) form)

Among the optically active amines, high selectivity was observed in thecase of R-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine, quinine, and cinchonine. On theother hand, in the case of R-(+)-1-(p-tolyl)ethylamine and cinchonidine,a different isomer (R form) was obtained as a precipitate.

Subsequently, by using cinchonine (0.5 equivalents), the type of solventwas examined, and the results are shown in Table 2. The amount ofsolvent was 15 times (v/v) the amount of sample, and the stirring timewas about 19 hours at room temperature. The calculation methods for thediastereomeric excess and yield are the same as those for Table 1.

TABLE 2 Yield Entry Solvent % de (%) 1 isopropyl acetate 98.5 23.5 2t-butyl acetate 97.6 26.3 3 cyclopentyl methyl ether 97.1 30.7 4 t-butylmethyl ether 94.8 37.6

In each of the solvents, good results with respect to selectivity wereobtained.

(5-2-5) Ethyl(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate

To an amine salt, for example, a R-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine salt of(S)-2-[4-ethoxy-carbonyl-3-methyl-2-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]aceticacid (101.3 mg (0.19 mmol)), ethyl acetate (2 mL), water (0.5 mL), and1N hydrochloric acid (0.23 mL) were added at room temperature, and theresulting mixture was stirred, followed by liquid separation. Theorganic layer was washed with a saturated sodium chloride solution (0.5mL), and then dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The insoluble matterwas filtered off, and the filtrate was concentrated under reducedpressure. After the residue was dissolved by adding tetrahydrofuran (1mL) thereto, sodium borohydride (22 mg, 0.582 mmol) was added thereto,and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for about 1hour. Subsequently, a boron trifluoride-ether complex (0.0586 mL, 0.48mmol) was added thereto, and the resulting mixture was stirred for about1 hour. The reaction mixture was subjected to an analysis by HPLC, theproduction ratio of the title compound was 97.7% (HPLC peak area ratio).

Example 6(RS)-1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylicacid

To the solution of ethyl(RS)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate/ethanolsolution (321 mL) obtained by the production method of Example 5, water(128.6 mL) and sodium hydroxide (21.4 g (519 mmol)) were added at roomtemperature, and the resulting mixture was heated and stirred at 65 to78° C. After stirring for about 6 hours, the mixture was cooled to 20 to30° C., and water (193 mL) was added thereto, and then, the pH of themixture was adjusted to 5.5 to 6.5 with 6 N hydrochloric acid whilekeeping the temperature at 20 to 30° C. To the mixture whose pH wasadjusted,(RS)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylicacid (6.4 mg) was added as a seed crystal, and water (193 mL) wasfurther added thereto. Then, the mixture was cooled to 0 to 5° C., andagain, the pH of the mixture was adjusted to 3 to 4 with concentratedhydrochloric acid, and the mixture was stirred for about 1 hour.Thereafter, the deposited crystal was filtered and washed with a 20%aqueous ethanol solution (93 mL) cooled to 0 to 5° C. The thus obtainedwet crystal product was dried under reduced pressure at 40° C., wherebythe title compound was obtained (64.32 g, yield: 95.00).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ: 1.87 (3H, s), 3.38-3.68 (4H, m), 7.43-7.89(5H, m).

Example 7(S)-1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylicacid quinine salt

(7-1)(S)-1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoro-methyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylicacid quinine salt

Acetone (1,150 mL) was added to quinine (21.23 g (65.5 mmol)), and theresulting mixture was heated and stirred under reflux (about 50° C.).After it was confirmed that quinine was dissolved,(RS)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylicacid (41.00 g (130.9 mmol)) was added thereto using acetone (82 mL).After stirring for about 1 hour, the resulting mixture was slowly cooledto 0 to 5° C. (adequate cooling rate: about 0.3° C./min) and stirred forabout 0.5 hours at that temperature. The resulting crystal was filteredand washed with acetone (205 mL) cooled to 0 to 5° C., whereby a crudewet crystal product (59.52 g) of the title compound was obtained (when aportion of the crude wet crystal product was dried under reducedpressure and the entire amount thereof was converted to a dry weightbasis, the amount of the dry product was 35.35 g, and the yield was42.2%). The diastereomeric excess of the obtained salt was about 94.8%de. Subsequently, to the obtained wet crystal product (59.52 g), ethanol(53 mL) and ethyl acetate (71 mL) were added, and the resulting mixturewas heated and stirred under reflux (about 78° C.). After the mixturewas stirred for about 1 hour, ethyl acetate (583 mL) was added thereto,and the resulting mixture was stirred under reflux again. Thereafter,the mixture was slowly cooled to 0 to 5° C. and stirred for about 0.5hours at that temperature. The resulting crystal was filtered and washedwith ethyl acetate (141 mL) cooled to 0 to 5° C. The obtained wetcrystal product was dried under reduced pressure, whereby the titlecompound (32.48 g) was obtained (overall yield: 41.5%). Thediastereomeric excess of the obtained salt was about 99.3% de.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ: 1.87-1.89 (1H, m), 1.30-2.20 (9H, m),2.41-2.49 (2H, m), 2.85-3.49 (6H, m), 3.65-3.66 (1H, m), 3.88 (3H, s),4.82 (1H, broad singlet), 4.92-5.00 (2H, m), 5.23-5.25 (1H, m), 5.60(1H, br), 5.80-6.00 (1H, m), 7.36-7.92 (9H, m), 8.67 (1H, d, J=4.6 Hz).(7-2) HPLC determination for diastereomeric excess (% de) of(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylicacid quinine salt

About 10 mg of a sample was collected and diluted with a mobile phase to20 mL, whereby a sample solution was prepared.

Column: DAICEL CHIRALCEL OD-RH (4.6 mm I.D.×150 mm, 5 μm)

Mobile Phase: a 0.1 v/v % aqueous acetic acid solution (prepared bymixing 1 mL of acetic acid in 1000 mL of distilled water):acetonitrile=75:25

Detection: UV 220 nm

Flow Rate: about 1.0 mL/min

Column Temperature: constant temperature of around 40° C.

Measurement Time: about 25 min

Injection Volume: 5 μL

The diastereomeric excess (% de) was calculated according to thefollowing formula using the peak area ratios of the S form (retentiontime: about 14.5 min) and the R form (retention time: about 15.5 min).

% de={[(the peak area ratio of the title compound (S form))−(the peakarea ratio of the R form)]÷[(the peak area ratio of the title compound(S form))+(the peak area ratio of the R form)]}×100

Example 8 Ethyl(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate

(8-1) Production Method 1

To the(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylicacid quinine salt (32.00 g (50.2 mmol)) obtained in Example (7-1), ethylacetate (480 mL) and a 2 N aqueous hydrochloric acid solution (160 mL)were added, and the resulting mixture was stirred, followed by liquidseparation. The obtained organic layer was concentrated under reducedpressure (to 160 mL or less), ethyl acetate (160 mL) was added thereto,and the resulting mixture was further concentrated under reducedpressure. After completion of the concentration under reduced pressure,the amount of the liquid was adjusted (to 320 mL) by adding ethylacetate, and the resulting mixture was cooled to 0 to 5° C.Subsequently, to this mixture, oxalyl chloride (11.2 mL (130.5 mmol))was added while keeping the temperature at 0 to 10° C., and then, theresulting mixture was heated to 20 to 30° C. and stirred for about 1hour. Ethanol (16 mL) was further added thereto, and the resultingmixture was heated and stirred under reflux for about 0.5 hours (about78° C.) Thereafter, the mixture was cooled to 40° C. or lower, and a 5w/v % aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (160 mL) was added thereto,and the resulting mixture was stirred, followed by liquid separation.The resulting organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure (to96 mL), and methanol (160 mL) and a 5 w/v % aqueous sodium bicarbonatesolution (64 mL) were added thereto, and the resulting mixture wasstirred for 1 hour or more. Subsequently, toluene (800 mL) and a 20 w/v% aqueous sodium chloride solution (64 mL) were added thereto, and theresulting mixture was stirred, followed by liquid separation. To theresulting organic layer, a 20 w/v % aqueous sodium chloride solution(160 mL) was further added, and the resulting mixture was stirred,followed by liquid separation. The obtained organic layer wasconcentrated under reduced pressure (to 64 mL), and ethylcyclohexane (64mL) was added thereto, and the resulting mixture was cooled to −17 to−15° C. and stirred for 0.5 hours or more. Thereafter, ethylcyclohexane(640 mL) was slowly added thereto while keeping the temperature at −17to −5° C., and the resulting mixture was stirred for 1 hour or more. Theresulting crystal was filtered and washed with ethylcyclohexane (64 mL)cooled to −17 to −15° C., and the obtained wet crystal product was driedunder reduced pressure, whereby the title compound (14.20 g) wasobtained (yield: 81.4%). The enantiomeric excess of the obtained crystalwas about 99.3% ee (the enantiomeric excess was calculated according toExample (5-1-3)).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ: 1.35 (3H, t, J=7.1 Hz), 1.84 (1H, broadsinglet), 2.00 (3H, s), 3.63-3.77 (4H, m), 4.27 (2H, m), 7.35-7.79 (5H,m).

(8-2) Production Method 2

To the(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylicacid quinine salt (20.00 g (31.4 mmol)), ethyl acetate (300 mL) and a 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid solution (100 mL) were added, and theresulting mixture was stirred, followed by liquid separation. Theobtained organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure. Aftercompletion of the concentration under reduced pressure, the resultingresidue was dissolved by adding N,N-dimethylacetamide (50 mL) thereto,and then, potassium carbonate (6.51 g (47.1 mmol)) and ethyl iodide (3.0mL (37.6 mmol)) were added thereto, and the resulting mixture was heatedto about 60° C. and stirred for about 2 hours. Thereafter, the mixturewas cooled to 40° C. or lower, and toluene (350 mL) was added thereto,and the resulting mixture was further cooled to 0 to 5° C. Subsequently,a saturated sodium chloride solution (100 mL) was added thereto, and theresulting mixture was heated to room temperature. Then, toluene (150 mL)and water (100 mL) were further added thereto, and the resulting mixturewas stirred, followed by liquid separation. The obtained organic layerwas washed by adding a saturated sodium chloride solution (100 mL), andthen concentrated under reduced pressure.

Ethylcyclohexane (40 mL) was added thereto at room temperature, and theresulting mixture was cooled to −17 to −15° C. and stirred for 0.5 hoursor more. Thereafter, a seed crystal was added thereto, and furtherethylcyclohexane (400 mL) was slowly added thereto while keeping thetemperature at −17 to −5° C., and the resulting mixture was stirred for1 hour or more. The resulting crystal was filtered and washed withethylcyclohexane (40 mL) cooled to −17 to −15° C., and the obtained wetcrystal product was dried under reduced pressure, whereby the titlecompound (8.79 g) was obtained (yield: 82.1%).

Example 9(S)-1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-N-[4-(methyl-sulfonyl)phenyl]-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxamide

Tetrahydrofuran (45 mL) was added to ethyl(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate(3.00 g (8.8 mmol)) obtained in Example 8 and 4-(methylsulfonyl) aniline(2.56 g (15.0 mmol)), and the resulting mixture was heated and stirred(60° C. or higher). To this liquid, a tetrahydrofuran solution ofethylmagnesium bromide (about 1 mol/L) (32.37 g (30.8 mmol)) was slowlyadded while keeping the temperature at 60° C. or higher. The resultingmixture was stirred for about 1 hour and then cooled to 0 to 5° C., anda 2 N aqueous hydrochloric acid solution (30 mL) and isobutyl acetate(75 mL) were added thereto, and the resulting mixture was stirred,followed by liquid separation. Subsequently, the resulting organic layerwas washed with a 2 N aqueous hydrochloric acid solution (15 mL)(washing was repeated 4 times), and further washed with a 20 w/v %aqueous sodium chloride solution (30 mL). After the organic layer wasconcentrated under reduced pressure, the amount of the liquid wasadjusted (to 30 mL) by adding isobutyl acetate, and the resultingmixture was stirred at room temperature for about 1 hour. Thereafter,the mixture was cooled to −15 to −10° C. and stirred for about 1 hour atthat temperature. Thereafter, methylcyclohexane (15 mL) was addedthereto, and the resulting mixture was further stirred for about 1 hour.The deposited crystal was filtered and washed with methylcyclohexane (12mL) cooled to −15 to −10° C., and the obtained wet crystal product wasdried under reduced pressure, whereby the title compound (3.90 g) wasobtained (yield: 92.4%). The enantiomeric excess of the obtained crystalwas about 99.8% ee.

Formulation Example 1 Capsule

The crystal (5 g) obtained in Example 9, lactose (115 g), cornstarch (58g), and magnesium stearate (2 g) are mixed using a V-type mixer, and theresulting mixture is filled in a capsule (180 mg per capsule) , wherebya capsule is obtained.

Formulation Example 2 Tablet

The crystal (5 g) obtained in Example 9, lactose (90 g), cornstarch (34g), crystalline cellulose (20 g), and magnesium stearate (1 g) are mixedusing a V-type mixer, and the resulting mixture is tableted (a mass of150 mg per tablet) using a tableting machine, whereby a tablet isobtained.

Formulation Example 3 Suspension

A dispersion medium in which methyl cellulose is dispersed or dissolvedin purified water is prepared. The crystal obtained in Example 9 isweighed and placed in a mortar and kneaded well while adding theabove-mentioned dispersion medium thereto in small portions, and then,purified water is added thereto, whereby a suspension (100 g) isprepared.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for producing compound (A):

comprising reacting ethyl(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylaterepresented by formula (Ia):

with 4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline in a reaction solvent in the presence ofone reagent selected from a metal alkoxide and a Grignard reagent. 2.The method according to claim 1, wherein the reagent is a Grignardreagent.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the Grignardreagent is selected from ethylmagnesium bromide, ethylmagnesiumchloride, isopropylmagnesium chloride, methylmagnesium bromide, andphenylmagnesium bromide.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein theGrignard reagent is ethylmagnesium bromide.
 5. The method according toclaim 2, wherein the reaction solvent is tetrahydrofuran.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 2, wherein reacting ethyl(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylatewith the Grignard reagent is carried out at a reaction temperature fromroom temperature to 150° C.
 7. The method according to claim 6, whereinthe reaction temperature is from 60° C. to 100° C.
 8. The methodaccording to claim 2, wherein reacting ethyl(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylatewith the Grignard reagent is carried at a reaction time from 0.5 to 5hours.
 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the reaction time isfrom 0.5 to 2 hours.
 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein thereagent is a metal alkoxide.
 11. The method according to claim 1,wherein the metal alkoxide is selected from potassium t-butoxide, sodiumt-butoxide, sodium methoxide, and potassium ethoxide.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 10, wherein the reaction solvent is selected fromtetrahydrofuran, toluene, dimethylsulfoxide, and N,N-dimethylacetamide.13. The method according to claim 10, wherein reacting ethyl(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylatewith the metal alkoxide is carried out at a reaction temperature fromroom temperature to 70° C.
 14. The method according to claim 13, whereinthe reaction temperature is from 40° C. to 70° C.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 10, wherein reacting ethyl(S)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-5-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylatewith the metal oxide is carried at a reaction time from 0.5 to 5 hours.16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the reaction time is from1 to 2 hours.